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“Making a definitive film about Formula One racing has eluded most who’ve tried, so perhaps a documentary is the way to go. At least Spitfire Documentary Films, Diamond Docs and Flat-Out Films hope so. The three producers are teaming on a Formula One feature doc to span the history and evolution of the dangerous and glamorous world of Formula One.” I asked only yesterday why there were so few films about motor racing and as if by magic this appeared!

Comment of the day

Rather than pick out a single comment today I’d like to thank everyone who responded to the Live from Jerez post with suggestions of what you’d like to see from the test this week.

Today I’m planning to get pictures from the Red Bull RB6 launch in the morning and then some pictures of the other cars to see what developments they’re sporting for this test. After that it’ll probably go quiet from me for a bit as I take some time to get around the paddock and see who I can meet.

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday to Aqeel!

On this day in F1

Four years ago today McLaren revealed their livery for the season ahead.

With title sponsor West leaving the year before and replacement Vodafone, poached from Ferrari, not coming on board until 2007, the team used a stopgap livery. It featured Emirates and Johnnie Walker as their major sponsors. They also used their reflective silver colour for the first time.

I haven’t seen it on here yet–if I missed it, sorry–but I read yesterday that FiA President Jean Todt plans to officially present a rule for vote which would require licensing of team managers / principals.

Now, if they are sure to add a clause that no one who engaged in illegal or disreputable practices in the past may be licensed, Todt will have made good work of it.

Another thing of interest from Mssr. Todt yesterday(quoted from comments on Autosport):

Todt has urged a rethink of priorities in F1 – and thinks the sport needs to wake up to economic and environmental realities that the world is facing.

“We need to cut costs, improve the show and draw investors,” he said. “F1 must understand that the world has changed. How can you explain that an F1 car needs 80 litres of fuel to cover 100 kilometres?

“I don’t like the cost cap; we must get to a reduction through clear rules, for example with a single aerodynamic package for the entire year. Will the cars slide more in Monte Carlo? [Perhaps, but] then the quality of the drivers will be heightened.”

Good thoughts. But if you are going to legislate a single aero package for the entire season, won’t that require increased winter testing? Seems to me you shouldn’t do the first without allowing the second. I do agree, though, that it might make for more interesting battles at many tracks.

And how is it that manufacturers can design an engine that will move over 140mph and still deliver 20mpg in a 3,000 pound road car, but an F1 engine gulps fuel in astronomical proportions? Perhaps no F1 engine builder has ever tried to make them more fuel efficient. Perhaps now is the time for a rule covering that.

And if IRL can run their cars on ethanol why can’t F1? Far more environmentaly friendly than fossil fuels.

Mr Todt, you have said it is time for a rethink of F1 priorities. It seems you may have begun. I urge you to continue rethinking.

Either way, the F1 car has to cope with much more drag coefficient (on account of the extreme downforce), and rapid acceleration/deceleration rather than maintaining a steady speed. Fuel efficiency has always been an issue, because more fuel= more weight= slower car. If you can show me a road-legal car with 2-3 times its own weight in dowforce, and over 300hp/liter (naturally aspirated), I think I could show you an F1 car that gets 20 mpg.

This is not true…Back in the 80’s they tryed to reign in turbo power by limiting the amount of fuel that a car could carry. Led to some weird and bad racing where people would drop back to finish the race, weaving and sputtering across the line at like 20mph. Not exactly exciting imo, let them race i don’t care if a car burns 20 gallons of fuel a lap as long as it goes fast. Racing is supposed to be racing not an exercise in weather or not u can keep the little red circle in your Prius green for 300km while going slightly faster than someone else doing the same.

[QUOTE]And how is it that manufacturers can design an engine that will move over 140mph and still deliver 20mpg in a 3,000 pound road car, but an F1 engine gulps fuel in astronomical proportions? Perhaps no F1 engine builder has ever tried to make them more fuel efficient. Perhaps now is the time for a rule covering that.[/QUOTE]

If I remember correctly, it used to be the case that the cars had a limited size of fuel tank, leading to alot of cars running out of fuel… Most amusing! Early-Mid 80’s.